Latino Daily News

Fulfilling a life-long dream and keeping a son’s promise, Latino entrepreneur and former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Hector V. Barreto, officially launches Tributo a Mi Padre (Tribute to My Father), a premium tequila spirit, at the 6th Annual East L.A. Meets Napa Premiere Food and Wine Tasting Event, in Downtown Los Angeles.

Born under the Mexican sun in the region of Tequila, whose ancient Nahuatl name also means “a place of tribute,” Tributo is grown in the generational farmlands of the Barreto family and extracted only from the rich, blue agave plants which populate this fertile valley. Available in its three traditional presentations, Blanco, Reposado and Anejo, Tequila Tributo’s craftsmanship reflects a deep respect for the land in which it is produced and for the authentic tequila-making traditions that date back to the late 18th century.

Tributo’s original marketing and distribution plan calls for a phased release, which will commence in California –the world’s largest tequila market– and Nevada. Under a “Focused Market” hyper local approach, the label will provide sustained support and presence throughout the year in select urban markets. Distribution in the U.S. will be managed by Innovation Spirits, a company formed by Wines & Spirits industry executives with the goal of taking advantage of the growing market and consumer demand for specialty wines & liquor products.

Tequila Tributo’s unique story, with its ties to both Mexico and the U.S. Latino community, is at once reflective of the generational journey that millions of Mexicans have made to El Norte, and the great stories of entrepreneurial achievement and success that have added beautiful chapters to the story of America. Among them, the life of the late Hector Barreto Sr., a native of Jalisco, Mexico, who settled in the United States during the 1950s. Credited as the first president of the Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), Mr. Barreto’s career and life have long been recognized and honored by the U.S. Latino community.

His son, Hector V. Barreto, inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and public service vocation. From 2001 to 2006, he served as the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, under appointment by President George W. Bush, and unanimous approval by the U.S. Senate. He currently serves as Chairman of The Latino Coalition, a non-profit nationwide organization based in California, with offices in Washington, DC, and Guadalajara, Mexico.

The spirit of risk and adventure that have nurtured a son’s dream and love for his father, also created Tributo. An uncompromising focus on excellence and quality in craftsmanship, now sustain it. “Tributo A Mi Padre was created as a way of honoring my father’s memory, and a truly well lived life. It is my hope that this fine tequila will help others celebrate the special moments in their lives,” Barreto asserted.

“Tequila Tributo a Mi Padre holds in each of its bottles the essence of our culture, the flavor of our land, our passion for perfection, and an obsession to produce only the purest and most authentic tequila. Nothing more. Nothing less.”